Fatal Shooting in Barre, Vermont: Vermont State Police Leading Investigation After 45-Year-Old Man’s Death
BARRE, Vermont (Friday, April 25, 2025) — A community is mourning and searching for answers after a tragic shooting in Barre City on Thursday evening led to the death of a 45-year-old man early Friday morning. The Vermont State Police has taken over the investigation and is working closely with local law enforcement and the Washington County State’s Attorney’s Office to piece together the events that led to this fatal encounter.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred inside a residence located at 879 N. Main Street in Barre around 5:25 p.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Responding officers and emergency medical services found the victim suffering from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen. He was quickly transported to Central Vermont Medical Center before being transferred to the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington due to the severity of his injuries.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, the victim succumbed to his injuries around 4:00 a.m. Friday. Authorities have not yet released his name, pending notification of his family.
Autopsy and Cause of Death
The Chief Medical Examiner’s Office in Burlington completed an autopsy Friday afternoon. The examination confirmed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the abdomen. The manner of death remains pending as investigators continue to gather evidence and testimonies related to the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Arrest Made: Donna Robinson Detained
During the early stages of the investigation, police detained Donna Robinson, a 43-year-old woman from the town of Washington. She has now been formally arrested and is facing multiple serious charges, including:
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Burglary
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Simple assault
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Two counts of possession of a firearm as a prohibited person
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Being a habitual offender
Robinson was ordered jailed without bail and is scheduled to be arraigned at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, in the Criminal Division of Vermont Superior Court in Barre.
What Authorities Are Saying
Initial findings suggest that this was an isolated incident involving individuals who knew each other, rather than a random act of violence. As such, officials emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community.
The Vermont State Police and partnering agencies, including Barre City, Barre Town, Berlin, and Montpelier Police Departments as well as the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, have been deeply involved in the case.
Specialized units, such as:
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Major Crime Unit
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Bureau of Criminal Investigations
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Crime Scene Search Team
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Victim Services Unit
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Field Force Division
have all contributed resources to ensure a thorough and meticulous investigation.
Call for Information
The Vermont State Police are urging anyone who might have information related to the incident to step forward. Those who can assist are asked to contact the Vermont State Police – Berlin Barracks at 802-229-9191.
Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted through the Vermont State Police’s online portal to aid the ongoing investigation.
A Community in Mourning
The Barre community, while relieved that the event appears isolated, is grappling with the unsettling violence that unfolded within their town. As the legal process moves forward and investigators work tirelessly to uncover all the facts, residents are left reflecting on the fragility of life and the impact of violence even among acquaintances.
This remains a developing story. More updates will be provided as new information becomes available.